Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Improving Quality Of Distance Education: An Illustration And Implications For Universities, Sadia Raisa, Ismet Anitsal, Nebil Buyurgan

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Learning In A Hyflex Model, Kirsten Passyn

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Pedagogical Road Map For Developing And Teaching An Online Mba Course Marketing Strategy, Mee-Shew Cheung, Hema Krishnan, Mina Lee

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Tour: Designing Graduate Library Orientations That Build Research Confidence And Belonging, Megan York

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Graduate student orientations often lean heavily on logistics: where to find resources, how to log in, and which services the library offers. While this information is important, it rarely addresses the deeper needs of graduate learners. Many of the students I work with arrive on campus already balancing careers, families, and demanding academic programs. At the University of Arkansas, graduate orientations in the College of Education and Health Professions frequently take place on weekends, serving students who travel from out of state and receive an overwhelming amount of information in a short time. For them, orientation is not simply a …

How Secondary Online Teachers Perceive And Implement Executive Function Strategies In Online Classrooms: A Qualitative Case Study, Erin M. Hall

Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored how secondary online teachers perceive and implement executive function (EF) strategies in fully asynchronous online learning environment. Grounded in the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and the Unity and Diversity Model of Executive Function, the study examined how instructional practices support cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. Data were collected through interviews, a focus group, and artifacts submitted by eleven secondary online teachers. Using iterative thematic analysis, four key findings emerged: (1) teachers used intentional scaffolding strategies- such as modeling, pacing tools, and checklists to support EF development; (2) they emphasized shifting cognitive responsibility …

Toward Secure And Inclusive Educational Metaverse: Insights For African Countries, Nkosikhona T. Msweli

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The rapid growth of immersive learning platforms has introduced critical identity security challenges. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of over 200 publications (2005–2025) on AI and security issues in virtual educational environments, using Scopus as the primary source. Findings reveal a surge in research after 2022, with China, the U.S., and India as leading contributors, while African representation remains limited. Key concerns include cross-platform vulnerabilities, deepfake threats, and challenges in implementing blockchain-based identity verification. The study also highlights algorithmic bias and ethical issues in identity authentication, emphasizing the need for inclusive, transparent AI systems. The paper provides insights to …

How Teachers And Students Create And Experience Social Presence Through Community Building And Self-Disclosure In Middle School Synchronous Online Learning Environments: A Qualitative Case Study, Jennifer Trail

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate middle school teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward online learning, and more specifically how they created and experienced social presence. To date, there has been promising research conducted on the achievability and the effects of social presence in postsecondary online learning. However, there is a practical knowledge gap in the literature regarding how middle school students and teachers experience social presence. This is problematic due to the increasing number of K-12 students enrolling in online learning and because strong student-teacher relationships are necessary to meet the emotional needs of middle schoolers …

Stakeholder Perceptions Of A New Learning Management System Implementation At A South African University, Lazola Taho, Walter Uys

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) investments are increasing in response to internal and external factors such as technology and market trends, laws, and regulations. Many LMS implementation initiatives fail despite decades of research on IS success. Challenges faced by sub-Saharan Africa Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) LMS implementations are becoming context-specific to each institution. Studying implementation success quantitatively has however not provided adequate contextual insights into the complex dynamics of implementation. Research often investigates lecturers and students at the exclusion of other stakeholders. Using Critical Hermeneutics (CH) as a guiding perspective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with decision-makers, administrators, support staff, students, and …

Adaptable Quantum Education Platform Using Learning Objects, Krishna Puja Anumula

Master's Theses

In recent years, the need to make classroom learning more interactive and engaging has become increasingly important. The lack of workforce in interdisciplinary fields such as quantum networking and quantum internet requires a new approach that addresses every learner’s individual needs. To address this challenge, this thesis introduces an adaptive learning platform rooted in the theory of learning objects and Kolb’s experiential learning model. The platform aids educators and learners in designing and utilizing various learning objects for quantum networking and quantum internet.

The platform enables educators and learners to build their own lessons and lesson plans using learning objects …

Inclusivity Within The Digital Age, Jarvis Denmark

Dissertations

This qualitative study takes a phenomenograpichal interest in the experiences of students in a school district that responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by using digital tools for instruction and to support a culturally relevant learning experience. Previous research focuses on teacher beliefs and the benefits of multiliteracies as they intersect with Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, but few studies have analyzed the experiences of students who are the prime beneficiaries of culturally relevant instructional practices. The thick description in this study was aimed at optimizing student voice, especially the voices of students of color. Also, the aim of the research was to …

Digital Library Of Georgia News (April 2024), Mandy L. Mastrovita, Sheila Mcalister

Georgia Library Quarterly

News from the Digital Library of Georgia covering January 1-March 31, 2024

Making A Case For A Digital Marketing Concentration: An Analysis Of Traditionally Generalized Online Mba Programs, Paige Gardiner, Maureen Andrade

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Over the last decade, business schools have added online MBA programs to meet student demand for access, price, and geographic convenience while trying to ensure a solid tuition revenue base. Online MBA programs have been forced to waive the GMAT and reduce the number of credits required for graduation while seeking ways to bring additional value to their online programs. This research examines whether offering online MBA students a specialized marketing concentration in digital marketing will make students marketable to businesses. The research examines this conjecture and provides a recommendation for MBA stakeholders. Study 1 shows the industry demand for …

Leveraging Vr/Ar/Mr/Xr Technologies To Improve Cybersecurity Education, Training, And Operations, Paul Wagner, Dalal Alharthi

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The United States faces persistent threats conducting malicious cyber campaigns that threaten critical infrastructure, companies and their intellectual property, and the privacy of its citizens. Additionally, there are millions of unfilled cybersecurity positions, and the cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen. Most companies believe that this problem has not improved and nearly 44% believe it has gotten worse over the past 10 years. Threat actors are continuing to evolve their tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting attacks on public and private targets. Education institutions and companies must adopt emerging technologies to develop security professionals and to increase cybersecurity awareness holistically. …

Cybersecurity Challenges And Awareness Of The Multi-Generational Learners In Nepal, Raj Kumar Dhungana, Lina Gurung Dr, Hem Poudyal

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Increased exposure to technologies has lately emerged as one of the everyday realities of digital natives, especially K-12 students, and teachers, the digital immigrants. Protection from cybersecurity risks in digital learning spaces is a human right, but students are increasingly exposed to high-risk cyberspace without time to cope with cybersecurity risks. This study, using a survey (N-891 students and 157 teachers) and in-depth interviews (27 students and 14 teachers), described the students' cybersecurity-related experiences and challenges in Nepal. This study revealed that the school’s cybersecurity support system is poor and teachers has very low awareness and competencies to protect students …

Cue The Paralinguistics: A Qualitative Case Study Of Teacher Social Presence, Molly R. Bowden

Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand teachers’ rationale and practices as they establish a social presence in a 100% online learning environment in a high school setting, with a specific emphasis on paralinguistic cues and symbols, such as emoji, emoticons, and Bitmoji. This case study focused on the meaning and understanding of teacher social presence in the virtual setting, utilizing a variety of data collection methods. In-depth interviews were conducted, followed by digital document collection and a focus group interview; transcripts of both interviews and the focus group were analyzed in order to establish the specific …

Internet Of Things Affordance For Open Educational Resources In A Comprehensive Open Distance E-Learning, Lancelord Mncube

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) space has dual dimensions of affordance to support open educational resources (OER). The duality of affordance has little or not been well articulated in relation to OER, particularly in a Comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODEL) institution. Such an institution is a mega open distance in South Africa and beyond the continent to accommodate students globally and rely on information and communication technology (ICT) in the provision of tuition. In the CODEL institution, there is a recognizable shift as the institution encourages the appropriation of OER and phasing out the prescription of the prescribed textbooks. The …

Remote Working And Online Education Among Neurodiverse Individuals, Kendall Smith

Emerging Writers

Many jobs and schools closed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a vast majority of students and employees found it difficult to resume their education and careers online; however, those on the neurodiverse spectrum found it much harder. Upon first glance, it was easy to see how frustrating and stressful online schooling was for special needs students. Many had difficulty concentrating during virtual lectures or lacked motivation to stay on task. Likewise, many neurodiverse employees found that at-home distractions were far worse than in-office ones, and the loneliness from staying home all day was jarring. But after pulling research …

The Impact Of Technology, Engagement, And Student Readiness On Student Learning In Blended Synchronous Learning Environments, Kirsten Passyn, Susan Wright

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The authors investigate technology, engagement, and student readiness as determinants of student learning in a blended synchronous learning environment. The experiment was conducted in two sections of a principles of marketing course where in-person and remote students simultaneously completed short concept quizzes using a mobile polling app. In-person students achieved higher quiz scores than remote students. GPA is a predictor of scores in both environments, and the effect is more pronounced for lower GPA students in remote locations. Student surveys identify focus and engagement as primary challenges to remote learning. Technology issues are secondary.

Implementing A Short-Term Field-Based Experiential Learning Activity: The Retail Scavenger Hunt, Pam Richardson, Rebeca Perren

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This article introduces the Retail Scavenger Hunt (RSH)—a short-term field-based experiential learning activity. This flexible pedagogical tool enables students to experience first-hand what is commonly referred to in the consumer-packaged goods industry as “the store check.” Although initially designed as an instructor-led activity, the authors adapted the exercise during the pandemic to be executed as a self-directed, app-based field activity. As a result, this research can compare student impressions across implementation modes.

Ksu's Digital Course Repository (Dcr), Kimberly S. Loomis, Heather Hankins

All Things Open

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, KSU faculty saw an opportunity to teach in the digital space and developed many effective courses in online and hybrid formats. The KSU Distinguished Course Repository (DCR) was created to catalog, recognize excellence, and showcase these courses, and to provide access to others, all in support of ongoing student success. Submitted courses are required to have a Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 International Public License, since they are expected to be shared and modified by future faculty. Publication in the DCR is beneficial to faculty, students, and programs, and the DCR itself is an excellent example of …

Adapting An Online Learning Quality Assurance Framework In A Developing Country Setting: The Case Of A Hei In Malawi, Bennett Kankuzi, Menard Phiri, Robert Chanunkha, Jonathan Makuwira, Paul Makocho

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Covid-19 prompted many higher education institutions (HEIs), even in developing countries like Malawi, to abruptly shift from their traditional face-to-face mode of delivery to online learning. However, quality issues with online learning remain one of the greatest challenges to acceptance of online learning by many students and stakeholders. This paper presents an action research based study at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, in which an online learning quality assurance framework is adapted to a developed country setting. The adapted framework builds on the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Programs. The contextualization and …

A Theoretical Framework For M-Learning, Osman Sadeck, Moses Moyo, Nyarai Tunjera, Agnes Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The proliferation of mobile technologies in all spheres of society necessitates looking at their beneficial use for education. Many parts of South Africa (SA), Africa and the world experience social-exclusion and marginalisation in education. Education is a human right, and this paper looks at using mobile devices as a means to counter E-exclusion. Emphasis is currently on the adoption and use of mobile technologies, available in many communities, for offsetting E-inclusion. This paper presents an evaluation of mobile learning (M-learning) and M-learning models towards a theoretical framework for M-learning for marginalised contexts. The model offered is applicable to a range …

University Students’ Perceptions Of Designing Mobile Application Prototypes For Social Innovation: Case Study During A Global Pandemic, Fazlyn Petersen, Muhammad Ziyaad Behardien

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

There is a growing need for social innovation to address social challenges. Therefore, Information Systems students at tertiary institutions need to develop problem-solving and co-design skills. These skills may improve the design of products, such as mobile applications, to address social challenges. This research used design thinking for social innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research design used an exploratory case study with mixed methods. Data was collected via an online survey from 31 third-year Information Systems at the University of the Western Cape. Students’ overall perceptions were positive for using design thinking for social innovation. The challenges were due …

Covid-19 Pandemic: Digital Technology Innovations And Resilience In South African Higher Education Institutions, Vusumzi Funda

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The centrality of education in socio-economic development has since been recognized and considerable efforts have been made towards safeguarding the objectives of inclusive education. The covid-19 pandemic has disrupted learning and teaching in tertiary institutes which resulted in sudden adoption of online innovations meant to ensure continuity in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the face of restrictions and social distancing. The sudden adoption of digital technologies as a desperate stop-gap measure to ensure continuity and revenue inflows against a background of high overheads has been met with challenges. This study explores literature on inroads made towards harnessing digital technologies for …

The Acceptance And Use Of Online Learning By Law Students In A South African University: An Application Of The Utaut2 Model, Jameson Goto, Anzanilufuno Munyai

The African Journal of Information Systems

COVID-19 forced many universities to shift from traditional face-to-face or blended learning, to full online learning. The sudden shift was not easy for both students and lecturers, who had to adapt to the new learning mode. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance and use of online learning of university students in the law faculty at a South African university during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model particularised to the online learning context in a country with a developing economy. An online survey was administered to the student …

Investigating The Impact On Student Engagement From Converting Face-To-Face Classes To Online In Response To Covid-19, Anita Whiting

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Paper investigates the impact on student engagement from converting traditional face-to-face classes to online in response to Covid-19. In particular, this study investigated the impact of conversion to online on four different types of student engagement: (1) participation engagement, (2) emotional engagement, (3) skill engagement, and (4) performance engagement. Survey data were collected from 160 business students who had their face-to-face classes converted to online due to Covid-19. Results of study show that all four types of student engagement significantly declined when classes were converted to online. Participation engagement declined the most while performance engagement declined the least. Non-traditional students …

"I Have Not Been In School For Over Ten Years? Can You Help Me? Understanding And Developing Information Literacy Skills For Non-Traditional Graduate Students, Amy Dye-Reeves

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Studies by the United States Department of Education have shown that non-traditional students steadily grow within college campuses' enrollment rates. The National Center for Education Statistics defines that "most often age, especially over the age of 24 has been the defining characteristic for this population. The direct impact of social class (Bambe & Tett, 1999; Quinn, 2010), gender and age (Merrill, 2014), and ethnicity (Bron et al., 2014) on the individual academic lives of the students. The presenter used Tinto's (1987) interactionist quantitative theory to look at value-added to variables such as socioeconomic background, academic preparation, and achievement level based …

Toward A Student-Ready Cybersecurity Program: Findings From A Survey Of Stem-Students, Lora Pitman, Brian K. Payne, Tancy Vandecar-Burdin, Lenora Thorbjornsen

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

As the number of available cybersecurity jobs continues to grow, colleges strive to offer to their cybersecurity students an environment which will make them sufficiently prepared to enter the workforce after graduation. This paper explores the academic and professional needs of STEM-students in various higher education institutions across Virginia and how cybersecurity programs can cater to these needs. It also seeks to propose an evidence-based approach for improving the existing cybersecurity programs so that they can become more inclusive and student-ready. A survey of 251 college students in four higher-education institutions in Virginia showed that while there are common patterns …

Student Perspectives On Mandatory Conversion To Online Classes: A Qualitative Study, Anita Whiting, Joie S. Hain

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This qualitative research study investigates students’ perspectives on the mandatory conversion to online classes due to COVID-19. In particular, this study explores (1) students’ struggles with conversion of class to online, (2) students’ likes of converted online class, (3) students’ dislikes of converted online class, 4) students’ happiness toward converted online classes, and (5) students’ recommendations on ways to improve online classes. The study was conducted at three universities in the southeastern region of the United States. The major findings of the study are (1) almost 80 percent of students reported struggles when class was converted to online, (2) 88 …

Learning In A Hyflex Model, Kirsten Passyn

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.